Category: Culture

VVIO Couture, a fashion brand based in the Volta Regional Capital, Ho, grasped the opportunity to join the lineup of designers that showcased at the 2024 Miss World Contesy in Mumbai, India. Ghana was among 120 beauty Queens representing countries from around the world in the pageant held on March 9. Ms Pulcherie Nyuiemedi Ahoomey-Zunu, who owns VIVO Couture, found herself among three talented dressmakers that adorned Mariam Xorlasi, Ghana's Beauty Queen, who won the 2023 Miss Ghana Contest. The young fashion designer is a product of the Ho Technical University and won the job through fabric manufacturer Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), which is a long-time sponsor of Ghana's beauty queens. The textile company met the fashion brand at the 2023 Volta Trade and Investment Fair, which was organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in Ho, and she took part in a fashion show held there by the cloth manufacturer. She produced five high craft full pieces in two days for the Ghana Queen and told the Ghana News Agency that it was beyond dreams to see her products mount the highest stage for beauty pageantry. Her works featured prominently in official catalogues and publications of the event and caught the attention of many. 'That Friday afternoon I received a call, and it was Miss Ghana, she told me she was going for Miss World and that I was part of the designers that was making her outfit for the event. And she told me that ATL insisted that I have to sow for her.' The designer spoke of what it felt like crafting for the world stage, saying she had to ransack her entire store of ideas and skills. 'I was supposed to produce eight out of nine designs but because it was two days work, I took five,' she said. 'For the ideas, I had some designs in my drawing book so that helped me a lot and I didn't have to think much. But there were new designs that I hadn't tried before.' 'The challenge was that the design took time more than I was thinking. One I thought would take two hours ended up taking more tha n seven hours to complete because of the patterns. The duration was very short as they were outstanding outfits, which the whole world would see, so I had to take my time and do the right thing.' Ms Ahoomey-Zunu had been in the fashion industry in the Volta Region for sometime, and about a year ago organised one of the biggest outdoor fashion shows in Ho. The show had high patronage, she said, and that clients had a knack for perfection, but the challenge remained the lack of collaboration among the various brands in promoting the sprawling industry. 'Everybody here wants the work to be perfect and they are ready to patronise and so the fashion industry is growing fast here.' 'Just that when it is time for collaboration such as fashion shows, designers don't want to come out to showcase their work and that's the only challenge we can talk about. But we are many doing well in the Region'. She encouraged her colleague designers to showcase the work of their dreams. 'We should not only sit down and sow. W e have so much hiding inside us to show the world so let's come out with our ideas'. Mr Sam Arday, the Marketing Manager of ATL, said the achievement stemmed from the Company's decades-long attachment to the beauty pageant, and that the brand's elevation helped market the burgeoning fashion industry in the Volta Region. 'We have been supporting the national beauty contest since it begun in the 1960s and anytime the Queen is going to the Miss World, we provide her fabrics.' 'This time we decided to move to another level, so we selected three designers who featured in our shows, and we picked one from the Volta Region and two from Kumasi.' He commended the organisers of the Volta Fair for providing the platform for young entrepreneurs in the Region and said ATL was planning some fashion shows and events as part of initiatives to support the industry. 'We want to encourage more people for the fashion industry. We want to see it improve and enhance the patronage of the made-in- Ghana concept, and so we are e ncouraging people to go into it,' Mr Arday said. Mr Dela Gadzanku, Chairman of the AGI for Eastern, Volta and Oti, was elated the Volta Fair, in its sixth edition, birthed such recognition for local entrepreneurs, and gave the assurance that the association would continue to work with stakeholders to expand avenues for more opportunities. Source:Ghana News Agency

Ghana is set to make history as an important destination for hosting major events with the upcoming inaugural West Africa Music and Arts Festival in Accra. This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the region, would span four days, starting at the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 coinciding with the official Juneteenth celebration in Ghana. The festival is not only a vibrant music industry conference aimed at bringing industry players together and educating the masses, but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of West Africa. It would provide a platform to showcase and educate on all things related to the music industry. From electrifying performances by renowned artistes to interactive workshops, master classes, and captivating arts installations. Jasmine Young, co-founder of the festival said, 'I am thrilled to launch this groundbreaking event in Accra, Ghana. Our festival was birthed from the ideology of strengthening the con nectivity of the diasporas and continuing the work of educating the masses about the Music and Entertainment Industries. 'This festival literally celebrates the vibrant cultural tapestry of West Africa and what it means to the world. In addition to energetic and interactive panels and master classes, we are showcasing the region's rich musical heritage and artistic talent. 'Through music, arts, and community, we aim to foster unity, diversity, and creativity globally. This festival is not just about entertainment; it's about creating meaningful connections and inspiring positive change. 'We invite everyone to join us in Accra for an unforgettable celebration of music, arts, and culture that will resonate far beyond the festival grounds.' As Ghana takes center stage in hosting this festival, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of performances encompassing various genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, Hip Hop, and more. Furthermore, engaging with Music and Entertainment industry professionals worldw ide, participating in insightful panel discussions, and discovering emerging talent from across the continent are all part of the festival experience. 'This festival is more than just a celebration of music and arts; it's a celebration of our shared heritage and identity as West Africans and the entire African Diaspora. 'It's an opportunity to spotlight the astonishing talent and creativity within our shared culture and connect with audiences from Ghana and beyond,' stated Annabelle McKenzie, the Director of the Beyond The Return Secretariat. Mr Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority added, 'We are proud to support the West Africa Music and Arts Festival. This festival not only celebrates our vibrant music and arts scene but also promotes tourism and economic development in our region. 'We eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors from near and far to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of Ghana.' Source: Ghana News Agency

Tunis: A migration themed film evening with short films from various African countries featuring in the "10 Views on Migration" project, most of which have never before been shown in Tunisia, is scheduled to take place at Cinémadart, Carthage, on April 4. Organised at the initiative of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, North Africa office, this event is part of "10 views on Migration" project which aims to create an alternative point of view on migration and refugees, beyond the stereotypes. Through the power of film, audiences are informed and attracted to understanding the diverse realities of immigrants' and refugees' lives. The screening programme includes nine films from nine countries, namely Tunisia, Algeria, Djibouti, Gambia, Mali, Senegal, Egypt, South Africa and Cameroon. The event will also see the inauguration of the "10 views on Migration" exhibition, which presents different points of view of young African filmmakers on migration in and outside the continent. Emphasis will be placed on perspectiv es and experiences that rarely appear in the mainstream of international media reporting, such as the dimensions of migration within Africa and migrants' capacity for action and creativity. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Award winning dancehall and reggae artist Livingstone Etsey Setekle, popularly known in music life as 'Stonebwoy' has thrilled fans after he was massively received at this is year's Vodza Ecotourism Initiative and Easter entertainment show. The show, held on Saturday, March 30 at the Keta Emancipation Beach Resort in the Keta Municipality of the Volta region received a 'crazy' crowd with thousands of youths from the area and beyond attending. Mr Jonny Jones, a Bhim Nation fan, in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency after the show, expressed satisfaction and joy over the programme and commended the organisers for the event. 'I am so excited and proud of myself for seeing Stonebwoy for the first time in my life. We love him and we want this kind of show during Easter festivities every year,' he stated. Mr Jones further appealed to authorities, traditional rulers, elders, and heads of institutions among others to collaborate for better entertainment shows in the future. Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Foun ding Member of the Vodza Ecotourism Initiative, in an earlier interview with GNA, stated that other activities, which include 'Woezor Night' was held on Friday, March 29, at 1830hrs at Villa Amore Beach resort at Vodza. There was a 'Midunu' food fair at Lagoon Beach Hotel as well as a Regatta show at Vodza regatta ground at Vodza. Meanwhile, Stonebwoy, before his performance on the night, paid his homage to Torgbi Sri lll, the 'Awormefia' of the Anlo State in his palace at Anloga as a sign of announcing his presence together with his wife and children. Vodza Ecotourism and Easter Regatta were aimed at promoting and highlighting ecotourism among others for better improvement. It also includes promoting local and international music for better improvement and progress. Also, there were terrific performances from Chief One, Keeny Ice, and others who charged the crowd with an expected feeling. Source: Ghana News Agency

Tunis: El Kef, the cradle city of Sicca Jazz or Siccaveneria, will play host to the festival's ninth edition on May 1-4. Sixteen performances from five countries, namely Tunisia, France, Austria, the United Kingdom and Palestine, are on the agenda. La Kasbah, El Kef Centre of Dramatic and Performing Arts, Boumakhlouf Square and the Music and Theatre Institute are the festival venues. A performance by Palestinian playwright Hassan Kaoud "Maken" is scheduled at the opening ceremony. Exclusive concerts will be held exceptionally in Sfax as part of this edition (May 1-5). Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse